Once the capital of the Netherlands Antilles, Willemstad offers an endearing mix of colorful Dutch architecture, lively local neighborhoods, and authentic Caribbean culture. The capital of Curaçao, it's a popular stop-off on cruises as well as a worthy vacation destination in its own right. Stay here for nights dining in atmospheric, candle-lit restaurants and days relaxing on beaches, where blue-green seas meet soft white sands. Many of the hotels here are luxurious, complete with infinity pools, private beaches, and tennis courts. The best have golf courses, spas, and superb dining onsite, tempting travelers to stay for a week or more.
Where to stay
in Willemstad
Where to Stay for History
Queen Emma Bridge marks the UNESCO-listed center of Willemstad, dividing the city into its two main neighborhoods. Also known as the Swinging Old Lady or Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, it was built in 1888. There are great places to stay in Punda and Otrobanda on either side of the channel it traverses. Rooms are mostly in small, boutique properties, as the big resorts are farther away. The most picturesque part of town is the waterfront, or the Handelskade, on the Punda bank. For museum lovers, the Curacao Maritime Museum is also interesting to visit and there are some cozy inns in the surrounding streets.
Punda
Shopping, seaside views, and scuba diving are some highlights of Punda. Make a stop by Fort Amsterdam or Postal Museum while you're exploring.
Recommended hotels in Punda
Otrobanda
The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Otrobanda. A stop by Renaissance Shopping Mall or Rif Fort might round out your trip.
Recommended hotels in Otrobanda
Best Places to Stay for Beaches
Those in search of great beaches have plenty of choice. Blue Bay Beach is the best place to stay west of Willemstad's center. Book a luxury hotel or apartment here to be close to Blue Bay Golf Course and the relaxed, palm-backed beach itself. To the south, Mambo Beach is livelier and has more to offer. As well as the wider range of high-end resorts, sun-seekers will find shops, entertainment, and watersports providers here. Between the two, a handful of accommodations also offer small private beaches, as do those in more scenic spots farther along the coast in either direction.
Great Neighborhoods for Restaurants
Spots to dine in the historic center of Willemstad range from modern open-air cafés to rustic but chic restaurants. Reserve a room in or close to Pietermaai District, on the Punda side of the Queen Emma Bridge, to be able to easily walk between some of the city's best places to eat. Those who choose to stay in Mambo Beach have their pick of beachside dining and cabana-style cocktail bars. Farther east toward Fort Beekenburg are some great restaurants for Caribbean cuisine. Travelers looking to seek out local cooking should reserve rooms in smaller inns and apartments near here.
Pietermaai District
Pietermaai District is popular for its seaside views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Fort Amsterdam or Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue.
Recommended hotels in Pietermaai District
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- Hotels near Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue
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